"What did you see?"Asked An Qing Ran. Did they see uncle Ye Hen, or mother and herself cleaning up the scene?
An Qing Ran had some doubts.
Dong Fang Jin, noticing her expression and deliberately asked: "Why? Did you do something that nobody should have witnessed?"
At these words, An Qing Ran took a deep breath and put a bright smile on her face.
"It doesn't matter what the Crown prince saw or heard. After all the path to becoming a virtuous man says : “One should not see nor hear anything improper”. This young lady can only hope the crown prince knows his etiquette. In case, your highness was not careful, forgot his learning and witnessing some mishap. This one can only hope that this virtuous man forgets it!"
Dong Fang Jin's interest was picked, looking at Qing Ran he stepped forward decisively, waiting to see her reaction.
"Are you threatening this Prince? Or, you really did something unspeakable?"
An Qing Ran knew that she had spoken too much. She smiled before answering: "The Prince misunderstood, this was one was only joking, I know that his Highness is the most understanding person in the world…". At the same time, she skillfully avoided him and continued on her way.
Dong Fang Jin looked at Lian Mu Han a bit astonished. "Did you hear this?". Lian Mu Han nodded a smile in his eyes "Of course I did".
"What do you think she meant by saying this?"
"Her words could have different meanings. This one thinks she meant that her family scandal should not be known outside". Answered Lian Mu Han amused.
Oriental Jin picked up his eyebrows: “How do I hear it seem she is threatening me?”
"No"
“You didn’t hear it?” Dongfang Jin looked at his own friend.
“Definitely not!”Answered Lian Mu Han smiled."If Prince wishes to see some drama then he should follow me!"
An Qing Ran did not walk far, so, she heard the young man's exchange and shook her head. She had things to do and didn't have the time to care about these two young masters.
It was strange, however, how did they become acquainted? In her past life, the crown prince was physically ill. In this life, it should be the same. Shaking her head once more she smirked. She had her own issues to deal with. Where would she find the time and energy to worry about other business.
***
An Zhong Tao looked at Lian JinYu somehow embarrassed. These two people rarely met. When they did, they only exchanged a few words. Most of the time his wife stayed in her courtyard East Warm Pavilion.
During the New Year's festivities, he would be able to see her a bit longer. She usually came to maintain appearances. Yet, she looked unapproachable. He wanted to talk to her and explain himself, but he didn't know how.
These two people were left alone in the courtyard. An Zhong Tao coughed lightly: "Just now, you have been wronged".
Lian Jin Yu had not been alone with him for a long time, she was a bit awkward. But she remembered An Qing Ran’s face when she promised to eat with them. She also recalled his furious face earlier and she softened a bit. Her husband was not totally a ruthless man.
However, her heart had been hurt so badly. She didn't want to go through that pain again. Twelve years ago, she was pregnant with Qing Ran. It should have been the most blissful time in her life. Instead, it was when joy and sorrow were mixed. She was constantly afraid that an accident would make her lose the small life growing in her stomach. Was it because of the tensions at that time that they grew apart?
Lian Jin Yu didn't want to think about it and smiled, politely answering.
These two awkward people were sitting on either side of the table. At that moment two servants came in to set the table.
Still… Lian Jin Yu didn’t know what to say. The two servants were nervously waiting on the side. One of them accidentally stepped on the other foot while retreating. But due to the heavy atmosphere since the accident earlier the second servant didn't dare to make a sound and suffered in silence.